Carry-on size limits by airline
Pick your airline to see its carry-on and personal item limits before you pack — and before the gate agent pulls out the sizer.
Will my bag fit?
Pick an airline to see its bag size limits.
Personal item · free
18 × 14 × 8 in
Must fit under the seat in front of you.
Carry-on · extra fee
22 × 18 × 10 in
Paying online before the airport is usually cheaper than at the gate.
Sizes include handles and wheels. Rules change often — always confirm on the airline's website before you fly.
What size is a standard carry-on?
Most big US airlines (United, American, Delta, JetBlue, Alaska) allow a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 inches, including wheels and handles. Southwest and Frontier allow up to 24 × 16 × 10. Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant charge for a carry-on and only include a small personal item that fits under the seat.
Carry-on vs personal item
- Personal item: a backpack, purse or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you.
- Carry-on: a bigger bag that goes in the overhead bin. On Basic Economy and budget fares it often costs extra.
Tips to avoid gate bag fees
- Measure your bag with wheels and handles — that is how airlines measure it.
- Soft bags squeeze into sizers more easily than hard-shell suitcases.
- If you need a carry-on on a budget fare, pay online when you book — it is usually cheapest then.
- Compare the real total with our Basic Economy fee calculator.
Liquids and other items
Liquids in your carry-on still need to be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less per container. Search any item in our “Can I bring it?” security tool.
Airlines change their rules. Always confirm bag sizes on the airline's own website before you fly.